Taylor’s is one of the oldest and most respected port wine producers in the Douro Valley of Portugal. Founded in 1692, the company has been making high-quality port wine for more than 300 years, and has earned a reputation as one of the best producers of vintage port. Over the years, Taylor’s has won numerous awards and accolades for its wines, which are known for their depth, complexity, and aging potential. In this article, we will explore the flavors of Taylor’s port wines and some of the awards they have received.
Taylor’s Port Wine
Taylor’s produces a wide range of port wines, including tawny port, ruby port, and vintage port. Each of these wines has its own unique flavor profile, influenced by factors such as the grape varieties used, the age of the wine, and the maturation process. Here is a closer look at some of the most popular Taylor’s port wines:
Taylor’s Tawny Port
Taylor’s tawny port is made from a blend of red port wines that have been aged in oak casks for an average of 10 years. The wine has a rich amber color and a complex aroma, with notes of caramel, toffee, and nuts. On the palate, it is smooth and mellow, with flavors of dried fruit, figs, and a hint of spice. Taylor’s tawny port is an excellent dessert wine, and pairs well with cheeses, chocolate, and fruit-based desserts.
Taylor’s Ruby Port
Taylor’s ruby port is a young and fruity wine that is aged for two to three years in large oak vats. It has a deep ruby color and a fresh, fruity aroma, with notes of blackcurrant, cherry, and raspberry. On the palate, it is sweet and rich, with flavors of ripe fruit and a hint of spice. Taylor’s ruby port is an ideal wine for everyday drinking, and pairs well with red meat, cheese, and chocolate.
Taylor’s Vintage Port
Taylor’s vintage port is one of the most sought-after port wines in the world. It is made from the finest grapes grown in a single year, and aged in oak casks for two to three years before being bottled. The wine is then aged for many years in the bottle, developing a complex aroma and flavor profile that is unmatched by any other wine. Taylor’s vintage port has a deep, almost opaque color, and a powerful aroma of black fruit, spice, and cedar. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and a hint of chocolate. The wine has a long, lingering finish, and can age for decades or even centuries in the bottle.
Awards and Accolades
Taylor’s port wines have won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including some of the most prestigious wine competitions in the world. Here are some of the most notable awards that Taylor’s port wines have received:
Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines: Taylor’s 2016 Vintage Port was named the #1 wine on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2018 list, with a score of 98 points.
Decanter World Wine Awards: Taylor’s port wines have won numerous medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards, including several gold medals and a platinum medal for the 2016 Vintage Port.
International Wine Challenge: Taylor’s port wines have won multiple trophies and medals at the International Wine Challenge, including the Trophy for Best Fortified Wine for the 2003 Vintage Port.
Wine Enthusiast: Taylor’s port wines have been consistently highly rated by Wine Enthusiast, with many wines receiving scores of 90 points or higher.
